Introduction
Prisoner classification is a foundational aspect of prison management, aimed at categorizing inmates based on specific criteria such as legal status, criminal history, gender, age, and health conditions. In India, this classification is governed primarily by the Prisons Act of 1894, supplemented by guidelines from the Model Prison Manual of 2016, judicial pronouncements,…

 Fine, as a form of punishment under Indian Penal Law, is a pecuniary penalty imposed by the court upon conviction of an offender. It is one of the recognized punishments under Section 53 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), alongside death, imprisonment for life, imprisonment (rigorous or simple), and forfeiture of property.
Nature and Purpose…

 Summary punishment, commonly referred to as “summary trials,” is a procedural mechanism under Indian criminal law designed for the swift and efficient disposal of certain minor offences. Governed primarily by Sections 260 to 265 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), summary trials aim to reduce judicial backlog and expedite justice delivery without compromising …

 India’s prison system has long faced significant challenges including overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and human rights violations. In this context, the Indian judiciary has emerged as a powerful champion for prisoner rights and prison reform through landmark judgments, innovative interpretations of constitutional provisions, and continuous oversight mechanisms. The courts have not merely addressed individual grievances but…

 In a country where over 75% of the prison population comprises undertrial prisoners and prisons operate at 118% capacity, the Supreme Court of India has emerged as a critical guardian of liberty, consistently working to address the systemic crisis of undertrial detention. Through landmark judgments and robust directives, the Court has transformed bail jurisprudence and…

 The Indian Penal Code (IPC) establishes a structured framework of punishments aimed at achieving various objectives of criminal justice, including deterrence, retribution, and reformation. This article examines the different types of punishments prescribed under Indian penal law and analyzes landmark judgments that have shaped their interpretation and application.
Types of Punishments Under Section 53 of…

 India’s criminal justice system has evolved significantly over the decades, gradually shifting from a purely retributive approach toward incorporating reformative elements. The reformative theory of punishment, with its focus on rehabilitation rather than mere retribution, presents both promise and challenges within the Indian legal framework. This article examines the viability of this approach through…